Ultimately, an SSD doesn’t need defragmenting. This method prolongs the life of the SSD. Thus, instead of erasing the entire block and rewriting the valid data, the controller marks the invalid pages for garbage collection. It tells the SSD controller which pages of a block can be erased. Garbage collection takes place when the computer is idle. Without the TRIM command, the SSD controller will temporarily move pages of wanted, valid data into memory, delete the pages of unwanted, invalid data, wipe the block clean, and then write the valid pages back into the block. Unlike hard drives, data is written to SSDs in pages - 128 pages equals one data block.

Moreover, SSDs use “wear-leveling” to write data across all cells so that they wear out evenly rather than in chunks. Over time, these cells wear out - defragmenting will reduce their overall lifespan. Why? Because data is written to memory cells versus being stored magnetically in tracks on a platter. Running a manual defrag on an SSD can be bad for the drive, too. SSDs can find scattered blocks of data really fast. Files can be fragmented, sure, but you won’t see the performance issues associated with spinning platters and moving heads. There are no mechanical parts that move in search of file bits. SSDs don’t share the same fragmentation problem as hard drives. Here’s how to get your free 40% performance boost from AMD How to optimize Nvidia Control Panel settings for gaming and overall performance If your PC is running slowly, the latest Windows 11 update may be to blame

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